Workers compensation claims for repetitive stress injuries

Employees who are injured in their workplace are entitled to file a claim for workers compensation benefits. Common workplace injuries include slips and falls, injuries caused by lifting heavy objects and diseases caused by exposure to hazardous materials.

Employees may not be aware that repetitive strain injuries (RSI) can also occur in the workplace and may qualify the employee to pursue workers compensation benefits. A repetitive strain injury often occurs over time and is caused by damage to muscles, tendons and nerves from repetitive motions.

Activities and symptoms

There are several activities that may result in RSI. These include typing, using a computer mouse, working on an assembly line, scanning groceries at a supermarket checkout stand and using tools. Any activity where the worker maintains the same or an abnormal posture for a long period of time or otherwise stresses his or her muscles through repetition may cause an RSI.

RSIs often affect the worker’s wrists, hands, forearms, neck and shoulders. The worker may experience pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness and tenderness.

Workers should also know that the symptoms may not appear right away. RSIs can occur gradually and may limit the worker’s ability to perform normal work activities.

RSIs may occur in occupations with repetitive movements like construction, driving a bus, housekeeping and in desk jobs.

An experienced attorney can help employees file an initial workers compensation claim. Also, if workers have applied for workers compensation benefits and their claim is denied, the attorney can provide representation for the appeals process.

It’s important that the employee receives the benefits they are entitled to under the law.